System and Method for Communications in a Multi-Platform Environment

ABSTRACT

A radio networking system includes at least a first communication port operable to facilitate communication between the radio networking system and a first communication platform. The system further includes at least a second communication port operable to facilitate communication between the radio networking system and a second communication platform. Additionally, a call control software module is operable to automatically and intelligently switch an incoming call from the first communication platform to the second communication platform which is controlled by a processor operable to execute the call control software module according to the information contained in a system configuration database. The call control software module further manages the configuration of call connections and conferencing services and supports real time user control of desired communication services.

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

This patent is a continuation of and claims priority from the U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/179,699, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,442,506entitled “System and Method for Communications in a Multi-PlatformEnvironment” filed Jul. 11, 2005 and issued on May 14, 2013, whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/590,694 entitled“System and Method for Communications in a Multi-Platform Environment”filed Jul. 23, 2004.

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHTS AND TRADE DRESS

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. This patent document may showand/or describe matter which is or may become trade dress of the owner.The copyright and trade dress owner has no objection to the facsimilereproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure as it appears in thePatent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwisereserves all copyright and trade dress rights whatsoever.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, generally, to the field oftelecommunications and more specifically, the present invention relatesto a system and method 20 directed to a localized radio networkingsystem for coordinating communication between different systems that areoperating on different platforms.

BACKGROUND

The demands for interoperability between differing radio communicationsequipment employed by the various federal, state and local governmentagencies responsible for “first response” emergency communications haveaccelerated rapidly following in recent years. In many instances,existing deployed emergency two-way radio equipment will notinteroperate. For example, radio equipment used by a county firedepartment may not work with the radio equipment used by its policedepartment or with equipment used by federal agencies. In anotherexample, emergency call centers may use communication switchingcapabilities in a PBX platform, but are incapable of initiating acommunications session with emergency response teams that are onlyreachable via two-way radio communication platforms.

FIG. 1 shows various conventional communication systems and platformsthat are independent of each other such that communication sessionscannot be initiated across the various platforms. The conventionalcommunications system of FIG. 1 includes a conventional switchedtelephone network 110, a conventional VoIP system 120, and aconventional two-way radio system 130. Although, the communicationssystems depicted in FIG. 1 are simplified for ease of discussion, thelimitations of these conventional communications systems are easilyillustrated as problems of each are discussed briefly below.

In a typical switched telephone network 110, a public switched telephonenetwork 115 (PSTN) provides a platform for a large number of telephonesand cellular phones to communicate with each other. As shown on FIG. 1,a standard telephone 111 may communicate with other standard telephones(not shown) or a cellular phone 113 through a cell phone tower 112 thatis part of a cellular wireless system. Typically, a cellular wirelesssystem works in conjunction with the PSTN 115 to provide multiplecapabilities for communication sessions via any standard telephonesystem, such as, for example, the well-known public system in the UnitedStates that utilizes 10-digit phone numbers for identification, routingand calling. Alternatively, a private branch exchange (PBX) 116supporting many telephones 117, such as those used internally for acompany, i.e., may be used such that only 4-digit extensions need bedialed within the PBX 116. Conventional switched telephone networksprovide a number of capabilities for call switching, call routing, andcall handling that are well known in the art and are not discussed infurther detail herein.

In a typical VoIP system 120, a first VoIP server 121 and a second VoIPserver 122 may communicate via a network 125, such as the Internet, forexample, using a communication protocol, such as TCP/IP, for example.Each VoIP server 121 and 122 may, in turn, communicate with respectiveVoIP-capable telephones 123 and 124. As such, a communication sessionmay be constructed to allow the first VoIP telephone 123 to communicatewith the second VoIP telephone entirely over the network 125 withoutever utilizing a PSTN, such as the PSTN system 110. Most typically,however, the VoIP servers 121 and 122 are part of a larger communicationsystem (not shown in detail) that includes the capability of interfacingthe VoIP system 120 with the PSTN system 110 via a VoIP Gateway 127.Such larger systems, require the use of separate VoIP Gateway 127 andSoftswitch systems, the nature of which is well known and, again, is notdiscussed further herein.

The third system shown in FIG. 1 is a conventional two-way radio system130. The two-way radio system 130 includes a radio base station 135 thatprovides radio-wave transmitting and receiving functions for any numberof radios within radio-wave range of the radio base station 135, such ashandheld radios 131 and 132 and any communication terminals connecteddirectly to the radio base station 135, such as operator console 133. Assuch, the two-way radio system 130 provides a platform for communicatingbetween radios and operator consoles using transmitted and receivedradio signals 134. For example, when a communication session isinitiated at handheld radio 131 (i.e., a transmit button is depressed ona conventional push-to-talk radio), the radio base station 135recognizes the initiation and receives signals from the initiatinghandheld radio 131. Again, two-way radio systems 130 are well known inthe art and will not be discussed further herein.

The above-described communication systems have been used by any numberof government agencies, polices forces, commercial firms, etc. forinternal and external communications. Typically, the specific needs ofeach entity drive the choice and configuration of communicationssystems. For example, a police force needs a two-way radio system 130 tofacilitate communication between officers on the street. Additionally,the police department typically uses a PSTN at police stations and otherexecutive and clerical facilities. Thus, the police department uses twodistinct communication systems for two distinct purposes, both of whichare well suited for the type of communications typically required, butnot well-suited for direct communication between the two platforms ofthe two communication systems.

Further, a nearby fire department also typically requires the samecapabilities for communication. While the PSTN may be the same system asthe police force, it is generally the case that each department hasincompatible two-way radio equipment such that the two departmentscannot communicate with each other's two-way radio system.

With the advent of coordinated emergency response plans implemented bygovernment agencies and other private security agencies, the need forcross-system communication in an actual emergency becomes a criticalrequirement. For example, when a fire department responds to a fire in atall building, the fire department may need to instruct the policedepartment to re-route traffic away from the dangerous vicinity. Directcommunication between officers of the police department and firefighters of the fire department can be crucial in effectivelycoordinating an emergency response.

Furthermore, the first responder environment requires coordinatedon-demand services. For example, the federal government my wish toparticipate in an emergency response if terrorism is determined to be afactor. Services necessary for cross-departmental communication, such asconferencing between proprietary systems, are typically not available toemergency response radio users. Even when such services are available,they are not automated and require live operator support which againrequires additional equipment, dedicated operator support, and theforesight of predicting emergencies. Obviously, without automation, therequirement for on-demand services cannot be met.

Similar problems exist in tactical military environments, wherecommunication equipment employed by the different branches of US armedforces do not interoperate. Furthermore, the mobility and capabilitiesof current communications equipment could be significantly improved bynetworking military radios with other communication platforms. Withoutuniversal interoperability, many government agencies would be forced, atgreat cost, to upgrade or replace otherwise serviceable radio equipmentto fulfill mandates for supporting homeland security, emergencycommunications and more mobile and coordinated armed forces.

Conventional systems currently use separate equipment cabinets providingPBX, radio interface, intercom and VoIP Gateway functionality. That is,separate dedicated communication systems provide platforms for anynumber of communication sessions between mediums that the individualsystems are designed for, but provide little, if any communicationinteroperability between the platforms. At best, a limitedinteroperability capability may be provided, but user control of systemconfiguration and user initiated access to communication services islacking. For example, in the prior art, some PBX systems may include aVoIP interface, but will not interface to radio base stations. Otherconventional systems of limited capability are offered to supplementconventional PBX and dispatch systems. Such systems perform radiocross-patching, while others convert radio audio to VoIP, and stillothers adapt dispatch consoles for connecting to dispatch switchingsystems via VoIP.

Furthermore, the prior art does not provide for interactivecommunications capability between platforms. This prevents userprogrammable configuration and dynamic user control of switching andconferencing capabilities between the multiple platforms employed inprior art. Without interactive and dynamic switching capabilities,communications are limited to point to point, call routing and useraccess to communication services are pre-configured and non-conditional,and user control of conferencing and security features are absent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the invention, a radio networking systemincludes at least a first communication port operable to facilitatecommunication between the radio networking system and a firstcommunication platform. The system further includes at least a secondcommunication port operable to facilitate communication between theradio networking system and a second communication platform.Additionally, a call control software module is operable toautomatically and intelligently switch an incoming call from the firstcommunication platform to the second communication platform which iscontrolled by a processor operable to execute the call control softwaremodule according to the information contained in a system configurationdatabase. The call control software module further manages theconfiguration of call connections and conferencing services, managessignaling between the communication platforms and supports real timeuser control of desired communication services. The inclusion of portspecific programmable signaling protocols allows closely-coupledintegration of the Radio Networking System with all other communicationplatforms.

Such a radio networking system provides for universal interoperabilitybetween existing radio, PSTN/PBX and IP communications equipment, aswell as extending capabilities beyond traditional point-to-point radiocommunications. These capabilities include coordinated groupcommunication, user controlled accessibility, and automated intelligentrouting of calls across previously incompatible platforms. Further,benefits of the invention include simplified user operation, increasedreliability due to redundancy, and secure access via userauthentication.

In another embodiment, the interactive response and signalingcapabilities of such a radio networking system allows use of the systemwith little or no training, as well as user selectable (dynamic) routingand access. For example, voice prompts and call progress tones areprovided to the user, guiding them interactively and intuitively throughthe use of the available communications features. Call scenariosaccessible to the user may be varied according to the user ID.Furthermore, a system administrator maintains full configuration forsetting up, establishing, coordinating, and allowing call conferencingfrom any platform in communication with the radio networking system.

In yet another embodiment, a VoIP gateway translates communicationssignaling and data formats between IP communications platforms and theradio network and PSTN platforms. The VoIP Gateway allows any IPcommunications terminal, such as a laptop computer, IP telephone orworkstation to be integrated with the radio network and PSTN networkplatforms. For example, in a tactical military environment, the VoIPGateway allows the replacement of existing non-intuitive “black box”communication terminals with computer terminal equipment requiringlittle, if any, training to operate. The ability to use computer networkterminal equipment for both voice and command/control communicationsvastly increases the mobility, responsiveness and situational awarenessof the individual combatant. The VoIP Gateway further allows the RadioNetwork System to economically scale in size of supported VoIP networksfrom a few users to large, multiple site user networks.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of thisinvention will become more readily appreciated as the same become betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description, whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows various conventional communication systems and platformsthat are independent of each other such that communication sessionscannot be initiated across the various platforms;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an exemplary computer environment in whichsoftware embodiments of the invention may be practiced according to anembodiment of the invention,

FIG. 3 shows an overview diagram of a communications system operable toprovide communications in a multi-platform environment according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the software architecture of a callcontrol system according to an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a VoIP Gateway operable to provide aninterface from one platform to another platform according to anembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in theart to make and use the invention. The general principles describedherein may be applied to embodiments and applications other than thosedetailed above without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention. The present invention is not intended to be limitedto the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scopeconsistent with the principles and features disclosed or suggestedherein.

FIG. 2 and the following discussion are intended to provide a brief,general description of a suitable computing environment in whichsoftware embodiments of the invention may be implemented. Generally,program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, datastructures, etc. that collectively perform particular tasks or implementparticular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art willappreciate that the invention may be practiced with other computersystem configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessorsystems, microprocessor-based, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframecomputers, and the like. The invention may also be practiced indistributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remoteprocessing devices that are linked through a communications network. Ina distributed computing environment, program modules may be located inboth local and remote memory storage devices.

With reference to FIG. 2, an exemplary system for implementing theinvention includes a general purpose computing device in the form of aconventional computer 200, including a processing unit 201, a systemmemory 210, and a system bus 202 that couples various system componentsincluding the system memory 210 to the processing unit 201. The systembus 202 may be any of several types of bus structures including a memorybus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any ofa variety of bus architectures. The system memory 210 includes read onlymemory (ROM) 211 and random access memory (RAM) 212. A basicinput/output system (BIOS) 213, containing the basic routines that helpto transfer information between elements within the computer 200, suchas during start-up, is stored in the system memory 210. The systemmemory 210 may further include program applications 214 and programmodules 215.

The computer 200 may further include a hard disk drive 241 for readingfrom and writing to a hard disk (not shown), a flash memory drive 242for reading from or writing to a removable flash memory and an opticalmedia drive 243 for reading from or writing to a removable optical disk(not shown) such as a CD ROM or other optical media. The hard disk drive241, flash memory drive 242, and optical media drive 243 are connectedto the system bus 202 by one or more media interfaces 240 (only oneshown). The drives and their associated computer-readable media provideboth volatile and nonvolatile storage of computer readable instructions,data structures, program modules and other data for the computer 200.

Although the exemplary environment described herein employs a hard disk,a removable flash memory and a removable optical disk, it should beappreciated by those skilled in the art that other types ofcomputer-readable media which can store data that is accessible by acomputer, such as magnetic cassettes, removable memory disks, digitalversatile disks, Bernoulli cartridges, random access memories (RAMs),read only memories (ROM), and the like, may also be used in theexemplary operating environment.

A number of program modules may be stored on the hard disk, flashmemory, optical disk, ROM 211 or RAM 212, including an operating system,one or more application programs, other program modules, and programdata, all of which are not shown). A user may enter commands andinformation into the computer 200 through input devices such as akeyboard 221 and pointing device 222. Other input devices (not shown)may include a microphone, scanner, or the like. These and other inputdevices are often connected to the processing unit 201 through an inputinterface 220 that is coupled to the system bus 202. The input interface220 may be a serial port, a parallel port, Ethernet ports, a universalserial bus (USB) or any other interface. A monitor 231 or other type ofdisplay device is also connected to the system bus 202 via an interface,such as a video interface 230. One or more speakers 241 are alsoconnected to the system bus 202 via an interface 240, In addition to themonitor and speakers, a computer 200 typically includes other peripheraloutput devices, such as printer 242.

The computer 200 may operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections to one or more remote computers, such as remote computer280. The remote computer 280 may be another personal computer, a server,a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node, andtypically includes many or all of the elements described above relativeto the computer 200, although only a memory storage device, such as adatabase 281 has been illustrated in FIG. 2. The logical connectionsdepicted in FIG. 2 include a local area network (LAN) 260 and a widearea network (WAN) 261. Such networking environments are commonplace inoffices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet.As depicted in FIG. 2, the remote computer 280 communicates with thecomputer 200 via the local area network 260 via a network interface 235.The computer may also communicate with the remote computer 280 throughthe wide area network 261 which is via the network interface 235 orother remote communications device.

When used in a LAN networking environment or WAN networking environment,the computer 200 is connected to the local network 261 through a networkinterface or adapter 235. In a networked environment, program modulesdepicted relative to the computer 200, or portions thereof, may bestored in the remote memory storage device 281. It will be appreciatedthat the network connections shown are exemplary and other means ofestablishing a communications link between the computers may be used.

Furthermore, although the computer 200 has been described in terms of astandalone computing environment that may be part of a networkedcollection of computers, the computer 200 may also be a part of astandard rack-mount computer system (not shown) operable to be mountedin a typical 19-inch rack system (also not shown). Such rack-mountsystems are typically used in computing systems requiring an extensivelevel of communication path routing and reliability. Such a system iswell-suited for communications applications because a backplane couplingfor each insertable computer card may be utilized to add additionalcomputer cards to an existing system's addressing scheme with little orno interruption to the existing operation of the system. The presentinvention may operate with or without a host CPU in an industry standardchassis, such as a 2.16 PSB, standard 2.1 cPCI or standard VME chassis.As rack-mount computer systems are well known in the industry, thisaspect of the present invention will not be discussed in further detailherein.

FIG. 3 shows an overview diagram of a communications system 300 operableto provide communications in a multi-platform environment according toan embodiment of the invention. The communications system 300 includes aradio networking system 301 that includes a plurality of communicationsports for interfacing any number of different proprietary or publiccommunication systems, such as a radio communication system 330, astandard telephone network or PBX system 310 and a network-based VoIPtelephone system 320. The various proprietary and public systems oftenhave different protocols and standards for communications sessions.Thus, the communications system 300 provides a hub through which variouscommunication sessions may take place despite the differing protocolsand standards. These communications sessions and the usefulness of thecommunications system 300 are discussed in greater detail below.

Generally speaking, the radio networking system 301 of the presentinvention provides for advanced radio interoperability between a manydifferent communication systems. Specifically, advanced radiointeroperability includes the ability of any commercial, public-safety,or military radio user to initiate and receive calls at any time withoutthe assistance of an operator. Radio interoperability allows calls to bemade to any other radio, packet-switched IP network, or circuit-switchedtelephone network connected user, or conference calls establishedbetween any combination thereof. Further, each of these potentialconnectivity, conferencing, and routing options is scalable, assignable,and configurable.

As was discussed above in the background section, a typical switchedtelephone network 310 may include a public switched telephone network311 (PSTN or PBX) that provides a platform for a large number oftelephones and cellular phones to communicate with each other. As such,a standard telephone 312 may communicate with other standard telephones(not shown) or cellular phones (also not shown). Alternatively, the PSTN115 may instead be a private branch exchange (PBX).

Further, a typical VoIP system 320 includes at least one VoIP server 321that may communicate via a network 325, such as the Internet, forexample, using a communication protocol, such as TCP/IP, for example.The VoIP server 321 may, in turn, communicate with a respectiveVoIP-enabled telephones 322 or workstations 323. As such, acommunication session may be constructed to allow the first VoIPtelephone 322 to communicate with a second VoIP telephone (not shown)entirely over the network 325 without utilizing a PSTN, such as the PSTN311.

A third system shown in FIG. 3 is a two-way radio system 330. Thetwo-way radio system 330 may include one or more radio base stations 331or other base stations, such as satellite base station 336, that provideradio-wave transmitting and receiving functions for any number ofradios, radio base stations, communications satellite ground stations,microwave stations, etc. within radio-wave range of the base station,such as one or more handheld radios 332. As such, the two-way radiosystem 330 provides a platform for communicating between radios 332using transmitted and received radio signals 334. Thus, when acommunication session is initiated at handheld radio 332 (i.e., atransmit button is depressed on a conventional push-to-talk radio), theradio base station 331 recognizes the initiation and transmits orreceives signals from the initiating handheld radio 332.

According to one embodiment of the invention, each of theabove-described systems is communicatively coupled to the radionetworking system 301 through a respective dedicated communication port.As is shown in FIG. 3, the PSTN system 310 is coupled to a digitalnetwork connection port, such as a T1 port 351. Alternatively, the T1port 351 may be an E1 port, an Integrated Service Digital Network (ISDN)port, or any other communication port capable of communicating in adigital networking environment. In other embodiments of the invention,the PSTN system 310 may be coupled to the radio networking system 301via a standard 2-wire telephone connection.

Similarly, the VoIP system 320 is also coupled to the packet switchednetwork 325 via an Ethernet port(s) 345. The network 325 may be theInternet or a private intranet. Further, any connection between theradio networking system 301 and other packet-switched networks may beredundant such that any failure in one connection will not result in acomplete loss of signal. Further yet, the network 325 may be a redundantnetwork such that duplicate connections between the radio network system301 and other communication components ensure a greater capacity for notinterrupting communication sessions due to system failure.

Like the PSTN/PBX system 310 and the VoIP system 320, the two-way radiosystem 330 is also communicatively coupled to the radio networkingsystem 301. More specifically, the radio base station 331 may be coupledto the radio networking system 301 via two particular connectioninterfaces. First, a radio control interface 352 interacts with theradio base station 331 to allow user control of the base stationconfiguration. For example, a workstation user may dynamically controlthe operating frequency of a radio base station. The radio controlinterface may further control signaling between the two systems. Thatis, communications sessions are initiated, then progress and terminate,such that each respective system may assert control or be controlleddepending on the state of the session. As a result, a standard controlprotocol is communicated back and forth between the radio base station331 and the radio control interface 352 of the radio networking system301.

Similarly, a radio audio interface 355 interacts with the radio basestation 331 to exchange the actual audio signals between the twosystems. The audio signals may be in any recognizable radio formatincluding digital and analog. In one embodiment of the invention, both adigital and an analog radio audio interface 355 are included in theradio networking system 301.

As discussed above, each of these systems may be communicatively coupledto the radio networking system 301 of FIG. 1. The radio networkingsystem 301 typically comprises a rack-mountable computer chassis capableof backplane communication routing for one or more interchangeablecommunication cards. The radio networking system 301, thus, includes atleast a radio networking board 350 and typically includes one or moregateway board(s) 340 to further facilitate additional functionality. Theradio networking system 301 also includes a central processing unit 302(CPU) that is operable to control the various components of the radionetworking board 350 and the gateway board 340. Although the CPU 302 isshown in FIG. 3 as a separate component subsystem from the radionetworking board 350 and the gateway board 340, the CPU 302 typicallyresides on the radio networking board 350. Alternatively, the CPU 302may reside on the gateway board 340 and in other embodiments of theinvention not shown, the radio networking system 301 may include a CPU302 on both the radio networking board 350 and the gateway board 340that work in conjunction with each other to control the variouscommunication aspects of the radio networking system 301.

Still further, the gateway board CPU 302 may be part of a computersystem (not shown) that resides as a separate card in the system chassisor is remotely located and controls the radio networking system 301. Forexample, a CPU 302 that is part of an adjacent computer card that ispart of a package of radio networking systems 301 that work inconjunction with each other may control a plurality of computer cardsincluding the radio networking system 301 of FIG. 3. As will bediscussed further below, the CPU 302 may be programmed in any number ofways to carry out the routing and manipulation of communication sessionswithin the radio networking system 301 and the various programmingfunctions may be stored in a coupled memory 303.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the radio networking board 350includes five component subassemblies as shown. As discussed above, theradio networking board 350 includes a plurality of radio controlinterfaces 352 and radio audio interfaces 355 for facilitatingcommunication sessions between the radio networking system 301 andseparate two-way radio systems 330. Likewise, the radio networking board350 also includes one or more T1/E1 ports 351 for interfacing withcommunication systems that may connect to a telephone network, such asthe PSTN system 310 and includes Ethernet ports that may be connected tothe VoIP system 320 and may be connected to administrative terminal(s)370. The radio networking board 350 further includes a plurality ofdigital signal processors 354 and a switching component 353, that isassociated with a TDM Control Interface 351, that facilitate themanipulation and routing of signals to and from all connected PSTN/PBXcommunication systems. The functionality and methods of operation of thecomponents of the radio networking board 350 are discussed further belowwith respect to FIG. 4.

The gateway board 340 includes a plurality of components that also helpfacilitate the manipulation and routing of communication signals duringcommunication sessions. As shown in FIG. 3, these components include acall control software component 344 that contains subroutines andprocesses for a number of commonly used communication functions. Forexample, the call control component 344 may provide the capability for acall state machine that facilitates call control, call conferencing,voice prompts and the like. The software functionality of the callcontrol state machine of the call control software component 344 isdescribed in greater detail below with respect to FIG. 4. Furthermore,the call control software component 344, although shown as part of thegateway board 340, may also be located on the radio networking board 350in other embodiments.

The gateway board 340 may further include an encryption component 342that is able to encrypt and decrypt all incoming and outgoing signals toand from the radio networking system 301. Furthermore, the encryptioncomponent 342, although shown as part of the gateway board 340, may alsobe located on the radio networking board 350 in other embodiments.Typical encryption components and systems are well known in the art andare not discussed in greater detail herein.

The gateway board 340 may further include modem 349 that is able tofacilitate communication of incoming and outgoing signals to and fromother modems in other systems. The modem 349 is used for interfacingwith some types of digital phones/radios and also for interfacing withsome types of encrypted military voice terminals. Typical modems 349 andsystems are well known in the art and are not discussed in greaterdetail herein.

The gateway board 340 may further include an VoIP gateway component 343for facilitating an interface between VoIP calls and other non-packetswitched protocols such as standard telephone system TDM calls. Thiscomponent 343 may include industry standard VoIP communicationprotocols, such as H.323 or Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) providinga means for setting up calls, multimedia conferencing, instantmessaging, and other types of real-time communications using apacket-switched network, such as the Internet.

The gateway board 340 may further include a web server component 341 forfacilitating system configuration and communication in a VoIPenvironment. Likewise, the gateway board CPU 302 may further include aVoIP server database, eliminating the necessity for external server 321.

Other communication ports (not shown) that may reside on the radionetworking board 350 include one or more foreign exchange station (FXS),foreign exchange office (FXO), other radio and audio interfaces fordevices such as headsets, recorders, etc., a backplane bus interface forcommunication with other cards in the chassis, a User DatagramProtocol/Internet Protocol (UDP/IP) interface for streaming voice datato IP networked servers, PC clients, call managers, an interface forradio transmit activation via PTT, an interface for voice-operated PTTor packet detection methods of controlling PTT and an ISDNcommunications protocol interface.

Prior to operation, a system administrator may configure the radionetworking system 301 via a configuration computer 370 and a systemconfiguration database 371. The configuration computer 370 may use aconfiguration utility program that connects directly to a configurationport (not shown) of the radio networking system 301. Alternatively, theconfiguration computer 370 may connect via a web browser over thenetwork 325. The configuration database 371 may store definitions forthe attributes of each communication port, such as type of terminal(i.e., a two-way radio system 330) and terminal specific configurationand communications protocol parameters (i.e., the two-way radio system330 is a trunked P25 radio system).

The programmable communication port configuration and signalingprotocols allows the Radio Networking System to interoperate withvirtually any legacy or newly developed radio, PSTN/PBX or VoIP terminaldevice. Other configuration parameters include call progress scenariosbased on the radio networking system 301 comparison of its own database(i.e., memory 303 or memory in the server component 343) to caller inputevents, dial numbering plan, IP port addresses, pre-defined conferenceaccess and conference configurations, tandem dial access codes,workstation user data entry, etc. The system administrator may alsoconfigure a user information database (which is part of the servercomponent 343) with user access codes, priority information,personalized user routing scenarios, security information, etc.

Turning back to the radio networking board 350, the DSPs 354 togetherwith the switching component 353 support audio signaling, call statecontrol, caller ID, conferencing, PBX, vocoders and VoIP functionality.The multi-port switching capabilities of the radio networking system 301selectively provide voice communication channels between radio ports,DSP resources, telephone ports, audio ports and IP ports. Thesecapabilities are fully programmable by a system administrator and can beconfigured to handle various call initiations and switchingautomatically and with or without operator intervention.

For example, the radio port (i.e., radio control interface 354 and radioaudio interface 355) may control a radio base station 331transmit/receive switching for supporting half duplex radio connectionsvia push to talk and voice activation techniques. As such, when a signaloriginates from a handheld radio 332, the signal is received at theradio base station 331 and may be broadcast to other handheld radios(not shown). The radio port may also send and receive radio circuitcontrol tones, such as CTCSS. Additionally, the signal is passed to theradio audio port 355 and may be routed to a predetermined path asconfigured by a system administrator and as controlled by the handheldradio user. Thus, the signal may be switched to a path to the telephone312 through the PSTN system 310 and the T1 port 351. Likewise, thesignal may also be routed to the VoIP telephone 322 via the VoIP system320, the network 325, and the Ethernet port 351.

In essence, once the signal is received at the radio audio port 355, theformat of the signal (4-wire radio audio, for example) is abstractedinto a format that is easily digitized and switchable (TDM for example).That is, the radio networking system 301 is able to manipulate allreceived signals to a common format such that all signals may beswitched, conferenced and re-routed with relative speed and ease to anyother communication port in the radio networking system 301.

As another example, the radio networking system 301 may receive a signalfrom a handheld radio 334 as described above and re-route the signal toa second radio audio interface (not shown) that is coupled to a secondradio base station (also not shown) that is operating at a differentfrequency than the first. The signal may then be routed to the secondradio base station and subsequently broadcast to all radios operating atthe second frequency. As a result, radios operating at differentfrequencies may communicate directly through the radio networkingsystem.

Having a radio networking system 301 able to provide a platform formultiple two-way radio communication is beneficial for equipment notspecifically dedicated for multi-platform use. This is often the casewhen a fire department and a police department need to operate atdifferent frequencies during normal operating times. However, in anemergency, it is beneficial to allow a police department and a firedepartment to communicate with each other using their existing equipmentand without requiring officers in the field to do extensive manipulationand equipment setting. Thus, the radio networking system 301 provides aliaison between the two radio networks where signal switching andcommunication services are automatic, dynamic, user configurable tomatch the user environment and user-accessible in real time.

As yet another example, the radio networking system 301 may also beconfigured to establish any number of conference call situations.Through configured switching settings and programmable DSP's, users ofhandheld radios 334, telephones 312, VoIP workstations 323 and VoIPtelephones 322 may all be concurrently connected to a communicationsession with all others. Thus, in one example, a radio user may talk toa telephone user while a VoIP user can hear both. Conference calling maybe configured as an automatic setting by a system administrator or maybe set up as an optional path that may be followed by a user of acommunication device who enters a specific key code. (i.e., pushing“*88” on a telephone) to enter a predetermined conference call session.

The radio networking system 301 offers advantages in flexibility,performance, cost, user friendly interface and space savings overalternate multi-assembly solutions. The radio networking system 301features include DSP audio processing, I/O channel switching, I/O portsignaling protocols, channel mixing, Time Division Multiplex (TDM)switching backplane interface and intercom/conferencing communications.In other features, the radio networking system 301 includes a flexibleuniversal interface to all types of radios and headsets. An operator maycontrol the radio base station transmitter via a push-to-talk keyedmicrophone or voice-operated exchange and via a workstation keyboard,footswitch, touch screen or mouse controls. Each channel or conferenceaudio may be recorded and played back with compression and timestamping. On-board VoIP capabilities may integrate supported analogaudio devices with packet-switched networks via dual 100baseT ports,providing redundancy and eliminating single points of failure.

The conferencing, intercom, and multiple radio monitoring capabilitiesmay be accessed directly by the individual user, speeding communicationsand multiplying their effectiveness. Monitoring capability assistscommunications controllers and workstation users in simultaneouslymonitoring multiple radio communications channels and communicating overan open intercom link. For example, a typical radio user need only beaware of particular pre-configured command codes to navigate in and outof conferences. Further, with the correct pre-configuration, a typicaluser could even establish new conferences and set specific conferenceparameters in real time given the right permissions.

Further, a system administrator has powerful configuration capabilitiessuch that any number of conference call parameters may be establishedahead of time, i.e., prior to an emergency, for example. Such parametersinclude what users may join a conference, how to join a conference, whatsignals will pass to each user, a permission level for each user thatmay allow or deny joining, configuring, passing signals, etc. Inessence, a system administrator may set any rule regarding callconferencing up to and including ceding almost all administrativefunctions to other users at other workstations.

When a conference call is established, a call supervisor may beestablished. The conference call supervisor may control access to theconference call, control permissions for joining and talking on aconference call, control terminating the conference call, controlchanging parameters of the conference call in real time, and may eventransfer supervisory control to other users. Typically, the supervisorparameters are established ahead of time by a system administrator, butmay also be done in real-time as a situation may dictate.

Workstation operator efficiency is increased through distinctiveleft-right channel headset audio separation, foreground/backgroundmixing of all I/O channels, individual gain control on each channel andsimultaneous monitoring of multiple channels. The board deliversdistinctive right-left channel headset audio feeds, improving operatorcapabilities in urban or rural emergency or combat situations. Allowingintercom audio to be heard in one earpiece, while a mix of multi-channelradio traffic is heard in the other earpiece, results in reducedoperator workload. Alarm or weapon tones can be heard in both earpiecessimultaneously.

Another interactive capability of one embodiment of the invention allowsANI (Automatic calling Number Identification) when provided by theexternal communication platform as well as caller identification,verification and authorization against the RAS (Registration andAuthentication Server) database to provide secure networkcommunications. In addition, an RAS database 326 may be used to storeuser preferences, personalized user workstation settings andpersonalized web server based workstation screen scripting simplifyinguse of the radio networking system 301. RAS information identifyingvariable class of service features facilitates connectivity in prioritysituations. For example, a police chief or military General maycommandeer a communications link for priority communications over alesser ranking officer. In another example, a workstation user may logon using their ID and PIN codes to any available workstation on a VoIPnetwork and have its screen boot with all of their desired work group,conference, PSTN/PBX, VoIP and radio configuration settings.

Other features of communication session manipulation and routing arecontemplated in the radio networking system 301, such as callforwarding, caller identification, call logging, and the like, but arenot discussed in greater detail herein as these features are known inthe industry.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the software architecture of a callcontrol system 400 according to an embodiment of the invention. Asshown, the architecture includes a call control software module 401 forreal-time communications applications, communications soft-switch andgateway functionality, call processing, conferencing and for control ofsignaling and switching resources. The call control software module 401includes several sub-modules including a highly configurable call statemachine 402 which is customizable for manipulating and handling callsand conferences to meet the requirements of any application environment.

The CPU 302 (not shown in FIG. 4) executes various call processingprograms under the control of a softswitch application layer 410. Thevarious call processing programs provide user-controlled automatedrouting and interactive access to conference networks, other radio andtelephone users, and operator consoles via associated hardware 490 whichis a representation of some of the aspects the radio networking system301 of FIG. 3. Additionally, the various call processing programs alsoprovide user-controlled automated communications with a VoIP network viathe H.323 or SIP gateway 343. The various call processing programs arebased on a call state machine 402 architecture which is configurable bya system administrator via a configuration computer 371.

The call state machine 402 controls a signaling and protocol interface420 for handling universal connections with a wide variety of terminaldevices connected to the radio networking system communication ports. Assuch, any number of signal formats may be translated through variousformat interfaces. These interfaces include a radio base stationinterface 441, an ISDN interface 442, a Foreign Exchange Station (FXS)and Foreign Exchange Office (FXO) interface 443, a Channel AssociatedSignaling (CAS) interface 444, E-lead/M-lead signaling (E & M) interface445 and VoIP Gateway 343. Through these interfaces, the variouscommunication formats may be translated, conferenced, and routedaccording to desired communication needs.

Between the signaling interface and a resource manager 430, allcommunication signals may be manipulated and routed according to definedparameters of the call state machine 402. Further, the call statemachine 402 may utilize a number of routing options and data available.For example, the call state machine 402 may draw upon a number ofpre-defined configurations that are stored by a configuration loader470. Various configurations may include a predefined communication portdatabase 471, call state tables 455, dialing plan tables 456, VoIPtranslation database 457, VoIP user database 458 and a user informationdatabase 450. The complete Radio Networking System configurationdatabases and tables may be stored in computer memory and subsequentlyremotely downloaded into the Radio Networking System via configurationloader 470. The down loadable configuration allows rapid setup andre-configuration of the Radio Networking System in response to changingcommunication environments or emergency situations. Standard “template”(pre-configured operating scenarios) configurations may be provided tosimplify initial system installation and start-up. Additionally, thecall state machine 402 may direct conferencing sessions via aconferencing bridge 435 and may direct VoIP network communications via anetwork interface 460. Using the above-described architecture, the callcontrol software module 401 may invoke any number of different processesfor call handling, routing, conferencing, and manipulation.

In one embodiment, one particular process begins with a call requestevent, i.e., a radio carrier detect by a radio base station, an off hookor ISDN message from a PSTN/PBX telecommunication terminal or apush-to-talk signal from a VoIP workstation terminal. The call statemachine 402 transitions from an idle state to incoming call processingstate. Various optional responses may be defined for this state, suchas, play a prompt message, return dial tone, wait for digit input fromthe caller, etc, resulting in defined responses, such as switching thecall, transitioning to another state, prompting for additional input, ormaking logical decisions based on caller input. The initial call statehas the capability to call a resource manager to make the appropriateswitch connections between incoming ports and the appropriate DSPresources, cause tone or prompt message play, or detect and decodecaller input information. The call state machine 402 will transition tothe next state depending upon the caller response and lookup into thedialing/response table.

In another embodiment, a special incoming call state may be configuredto verify the incoming caller ID and calling number ID against the userinformation database 450 to allow or deny system access for securitypurposes. In yet another embodiment, a special incoming call state maybe configured to compare the incoming caller ID and calling number IDagainst the user information database 450 to present the caller with aunique set of routing scripts and service access codes. Secure militaryradios are accommodated via a unique radio interface satisfying thesecurity protocol and physical layer interface requirements of encryptedtype of military communications terminals. As discussed above, onboardencryption is also available as a security option.

The call state machine 402 may monitor the call status and tear down acall when completion is indicated by disconnecting the switchingconnections and returning the DSP resources to the available pool. Theprocess is similar for calls originating from the PSTN/PBXtelecommunications terminal side of the system. In this case, a standardtelecommunication signaling interface, such as ISDN, is supported toachieve full interoperability with PSTN/PBX platforms. The process issimilar for calls originating from the VoIP network side of the system.In this case, a standard H.323 or SIP communication protocol issupported to achieve full interoperability with VoIP network devices.

As discussed above, various conferencing modes are also available,including preset and meet-me types. Preset conferencing establishes aset of participants that are notified by the system whenever a presetconference is activated. Meet-me conference is dialed in by eachindividual participant. The system also allows the configuration ofspecial purpose conferences, such as one way listening as a function ofuser class of service or supervised conferences where one or moreindividuals control user access to the conference.

A subset of the conferencing capabilities includes the ability tomonitor a mix of audio from multiple radios via a single audio channel.This feature is useful in tactical military applications or emergencyresponse situations. The call state machine 402 may be programmed toprovide a full featured PBX, eliminating the necessity for a separatesystem to provide this functionality. System status information, such asports active, conferences and participants active may be displayed onoperator consoles and VoIP workstations.

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a communications server 510 operable tointerface one platform to another platform according to an embodiment ofthe invention. As noted previously, the present invention may bepracticed in a networked environment. As such, various functions may beperformed across a network at a computer system coupled to a largerdistributed computing system (not shown in detail). Thus, a number ofdifferent chassis computers having one or more communications servercards 510 operating therein may facilitate communications across severalcommunications platforms.

In FIG. 5, a VoIP Gateway card 510 may be part of a Radio NetworkingSystem 301 and may communicate with a chassis host CPU 501 via chassisbus 540. The communications server card 510 may include a bus interface539 for interfacing the chassis bus 540. Further, the VoIP Gateway card510 may communicate with a packet-switched network 325 via an Ethernetinterface 550. The packet-switched network 325 may, in turn, beconnected to a web server component 341 of the radio networking system301 of FIG. 3 or another communications server card (not shown) in yetanother chassis computer system. Further yet, the VoIP Gateway may becoupled to a PSTN system 310 or a radio system 330 via a communicationinterface 520.

Using the above-identified interfaces, the VoIP Gateway card 510 mayextend the multiplatform communication switching, routing, signaling andconferencing functions as described above to VoIP networks with respectto the radio networking system 301. Thus, a single radio networkingsystem 301 may employ extended control over a large network ofcommunications systems through VoIP Gateway card 510 that are able tocommunicate with the VoIP terminals of each respective communicationsplatform.

Such extensions of capabilities are typically embodied in a VoIP Gatewaycard 560 that includes a controller 561 and a DSP array 562. Althoughnot detailed in length, the controller may provide capabilities such assignaling interface, resource management, TSI management, TCP-UDP/IPStack, and a protocol stack. Further, the DSP array may providecapabilities such as vocoders, echo cancellation, AGC, VAD, CNG,signaling tones, RTP, Voice prompts, caller ID, modems and additionalconferencing.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof areshown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. It shouldbe understood, however, that there is no intention to limit theinvention to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, theintention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, andequivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

It is claimed:
 1. A communications networking system comprising: a pushto talk radio interface through which communication with a plurality ofpush to talk radio devices travel via an external radio base station; anetwork interface through which Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP)communications with a plurality of VOIP devices travel and through whichdata communications with external devices travel; a call control unitdefining communication session parameters for the push to talk radiointerface and the network interface, the call control unit operable tobe controlled by a user of one of the VOIP devices such that the callcontrol unit allows VOIP device users to simultaneously monitorcommunications from at least one network interface and at least one pushto talk radio interface and select from at least one network interfaceand at least one push to talk radio interface to establish communicationsessions with one or more other users; a programmable signalingprocessor configured by a VOIP device user to establish communicationsessions between the push to talk radio devices and the VOIP devicesallowing for multiple push to talk devices and multiple VOIP devices toall communicate concurrently in a conference including enabling at leastone of the users of one of the push to talk radio devices and/or atleast one of the users of one of the VOIP devices to join the conferenceor initiate the conference; the programmable signaling processor furtherconfigured to intelligently control push-to-talk signaling of radio basestations externally connected to the push to talk radio interface andbuffer data in memory such that an initial portion of audio or datatransmitted during the communications sessions is not truncated; whereinthe communications networking system is configured to convert audio andsignaling communications received over the push to talk radio interfaceand the network interface into a common format for use within thecommunications networking system.
 2. The communications networkingsystem of claim 1 further configured to receive VOIP communications frommultiple sources, convert the VOIP communications to the common format,and conference multiple VOIP device users including providing multiplenetworked communications terminals and VOIP devices the ability to talksimultaneously.
 3. The communications networking system of claim 2further configured to conference VOIP communications using eitherunicast or multicast packet address protocols.
 4. The communicationsnetworking system of claim 1 further comprising a buffer memoryconfigured to compensate for delays resulting from VOIP packetizing,network transport, signaling protocols, voice detection and radiotransmitter power up, thereby avoiding loss of the initial portion of aradio transmission.
 5. The communications networking system of claim 1further configured to exchange signaling and status information withexternally connected radios to allow a system user to remotely controlthe configuration of a selected radio, including setting frequency,channel preset, modulation type, guard receive, built in test, squelchand power of the selected radio.
 6. The communications networking systemof claim 1 configured as a VOIP communications device, the VOIPcommunications device further comprising: at least one audio interfacecapable of connecting to an audio device included in or coupled with theVOIP communications device, the audio device selected from the groupincluding a headset, a microphone and a speaker, via a wired or wirelessconnection, the audio interface supporting push to talk control throughwhich users of the audio devices communicate; a network interfacethrough which VOIP communications with a plurality of additional VOIPdevices and radio gateways travel and through which data communicationswith external devices travel; a call control unit defining communicationsession parameters for the audio interface and the network interface,the call control unit operable to be controlled by a user of one of theaudio devices such that the call control unit allows users tosimultaneously monitor a mix of communications from multiple networkedradio gateways or VOIP devices and select from at least one networkedradio gateway or VOIP device to establish communication sessions withone or more other users; wherein the programmable signaling processor isconfigured by an audio device user to establish communication sessionsbetween one or more radio gateway systems and VOIP devices allowing formultiple radio gateway systems and multiple VOIP devices to allcommunicate concurrently in a conference, including enabling the audiodevice user to join the conference or initiate the conference; whereinthe programmable signaling processor is further configured to generate amix of audio originating from a multiple of the networked radio gatewaysystems or VOIP devices as a single audio stream according to a mixselection specified by the audio device user; wherein the VOIPcommunications device is configured to convert audio and signalingcommunications received over the audio device interface and the networkinterface into a common format for use within the communications networksystem.
 7. The communications networking system of claim 6 furtherconfigured to allow the VOIP devices to be controlled through thecommunications networking system from an external networkedcommunications terminal.
 8. The communications networking system ofclaim 1 further configured to receive and transmit VOIP communicationsover wireless and wide area networks, including satellite networks,exhibiting lengthy data packet transmission delays and loss of datapackets; use a UDP method of VOIP audio and signaling packetstransmission; provide recurring transmission of control commands tocircumvent the effects of data packet loss; communicate using selectablecompressed VOIP audio packet transmission on the uplink and/or downlinkpath of a wireless network to minimize link bandwidth; and transmit anabbreviated packet during periods of audio silence to minimize linkutilization.
 9. The communications networking system of claim 8 locatedin an unmanned vehicle, the communications networking system furthercomprising: at least one radio interface operable to configure radioscommunicatively coupled to the communications networking system; whereinthe programmable signaling processor is configured to allow a remotesite operator to control the communications networking system includingconfiguration, conferencing and patching of radios communicativelycoupled thereto and functional testing of the communications networkingsystem and radios.
 10. The communications networking system of claim 1wherein the communications networking system is further configured toconvert audio and signaling communications received from multiple radiotypes into the common format; wherein the communications networkingsystem presents audio and signaling communications in the common formatto network devices independent of radio type such that thecommunications networking system provides a common interface to thenetwork devices.
 11. The communications networking system of claim 1wherein the programmable signaling processor is configured to translatecontrol messages received in the common format over the networkinterface into a type specific format required for controlling andconfiguring the radio or radios communicatively connected to thecommunications networking system.
 12. The communications networkingsystem of claim 10 wherein the programmable signaling processor isconfigured to maintain a signaling connection with multiple radios thatis always on.
 13. A method performed by a communications networkingsystem, the method comprising: the communications networking systemestablishing a communication session with a plurality of external pushto talk radio devices, the communication session initiated by a user ofone of the external push to talk radio devices or one of a plurality ofexternal networked communications terminals communicatively coupled withthe communications networking system; the communications networkingsystem automatically creating a communication link between the externalpush to talk radio devices and at least one of the external networkedcommunications terminals including at least one Voice Over InternetProtocol (VOIP) device; the communications networking system convertingcommunications from the external push to talk radio devices, externalnetworked communications terminals and VOIP devices into a commonformat, wherein the common format conforms to a VOIP protocol; thecommunications networking system receiving communications from theexternal networked communications terminals and VOIP devices to controlthe configuration of the communications networking system; thecommunications networking system establishing a conference call amongmultiple push to talk radio devices, external networked communicationsterminals and VOIP devices in which the push to talk radio devices,external networked communications terminals and VOIP devices communicateconcurrently in the conference call.
 14. The method of claim 13 furthercomprising: the communications networking system providing call controlfeatures to the networked communications terminals and the VOIP devicessuch that users of the networked communications terminals and the VOIPdevices have the ability to control a plurality of call controlparameters associated with the conference call and the communicationlink during the communication session.
 15. The method of claim 13further comprising: the communications networking system providing audioand data buffering features to the networked communications system suchthat the initial portion of a radio transmission is not lost due todelays resulting from VOIP packetizing, network, signaling, voicedetection and radio transmitter power up.
 16. The method of claim 13wherein the communications networking system combines multiple IP audiostreams originating from multiple gateway locations and/or multipleconnected VOIP devices into the conference call and provides the abilityfor multiple multicast networked communications terminals and VOIPdevice users to talk simultaneously in the conference call.
 17. Themethod of claim 13 further comprising: a programmable signalingprocessor of the communications networking system translating controlmessages conforming to different messaging data formats of multipletypes of radios communicatively coupled with the communicationsnetworking system into a common format.
 18. The method of claim 17further comprising: the programmable signaling processor receiving radiospecific messaging format data to enable the translating into the commonformat.
 19. The method of claim 17 further comprising: the programmablesignaling processor allowing a networked communication device toremotely control multiple radios using a common interface according tothe common format.
 20. A method performed by a voice over Internetprotocol (VOIP) communications device, the method comprising: the VOIPcommunications device establishing a communication session with at leastone communications networking system and a plurality of networkedcommunications terminals and additional VOIP communications devices, thecommunication session initiated by a user of the VOIP communicationsdevice communicatively coupled with the communications networkingsystem; the VOIP communications device automatically creating acommunication link between the VOIP communications device and at leastone of the networked communications terminals or the additional VOIPcommunications devices; the VOIP communications device convertingcommunications from the networked communications terminals and theadditional VOIP devices into a common format; the VOIP communicationsdevice communicating with the communications networking system using thecommon format to provide the user of the VOIP communications devicecontrol of the configuration of the communications networking system;the VOIP communications device communicating audio received via an audiodevice to the communications networking system; the VOIP communicationsdevice initiating a conference call among the networked communicationssystem, the plurality of networked communications terminals and theadditional VOIP devices in which the networked communications system,the plurality of networked communications terminals, the VOIPcommunications device and the additional VOIP devices all communicateconcurrently during the conference call; the VOIP communications devicereceiving from the networked communications system a mix of audiooriginating from the networked communications systems, the networkedcommunications terminals and the additional VOIP devices as a singleaudio stream.
 21. The method of claim 20 wherein the audio device is aheadset or a microphone included in or coupled via wires or wirelesslyto the VOIP communications device.
 22. The method of claim 20 whereinthe common format conforms to a VOIP packet format.
 23. The method ofclaim 20 further comprising the VOIP communications device mergingsimultaneous VOIP data streams originating from multiple networkedcommunications systems, networked communications terminals and VOIPdevices into the conference call utilizing buffering features includedin the VOIP communications device.
 24. The method of claim 20 furthercomprising: the VOIP communications device controlling the mix of audioaccording to a mix selection specified by the VOIP communications deviceuser.